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Endocrine diseases have been associated with cardiovascular events. Both altered coagulation and fibrinolysis markers and thrombotic disorders have been described in several endocrine diseases. This review summarizes the evidence on the influence of thyroid diseases, cortisol excess and deficiency, pheochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism, hyperaldosteronism, hyperprolactinemia, and growth hormone excess and deficiency; on parameters of hemostasis; and on arterial and venous thrombotic events. All these endocrine diseases do have, or may have, influence either on hemostasis or on the risk of thrombotic events. Future studies are needed to establish the clinical relevance of these associations., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multicausal disease. Among minor risk factors, acute infections in general are associated with a transient increased risk of VTE. However, acute hepatitis is usually not reported as a potential risk factor for VTE. Recent studies suggest a possible role of viral hepatitis in the development of VTE and, in particular, of portal vein thrombosis. In this narrative review, we will discuss the possible pathogenetic roles of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis A, B, and C viruses in VTE occurrence, and clinical evidence supporting this hypothesis. The hemostatic state in chronic liver disease and the role of coagulation in liver fibrosis will also be discussed., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Endocrine disorders can influence the hemostatic balance. Abnormal coagulation test results have been observed in patients with abnormal hormone levels. The present review updates the available evidence on the influence of pituitary, adrenal, and parathyroid hormones on the coagulation and the fibrinolytic system, and their possible clinical implications. The literature supports a possible relevant clinical effect of the imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolysis on thrombotic events in endogenous Cushing's syndrome. An effect on markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis has been shown for hyperprolactinemia, growth hormone excess or deficiency, exogenous hypercortisolism, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism, and hyperparathyroidism. However, the clinical relevance is still unproven. Until definitive evidence is available, clinicians should be aware of the possibility that endocrine disorders may be risk factors for thrombotic events., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)

The article presents a study which examines the importance of clinical probability assessment in interpreting a normal d-Dimer in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism(PE). It notes that d-dimer testing is widely used in the diagnostic workup of patients with PE. The findings show that D-dimer should be used only after the patient receive the clinical pretest probability assessment to prevent physicians from being influenced by a d-dimer test result.